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The Benefits and Challenges of Home-School Communication in Urban Settings

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Abstract

Close home-school communication benefits children, their families, the teacher, and the school community. Throughout the school year, teachers interact with families in a variety of ways, in person and electronically. In this study, the researcher investigated how twenty-two middle and high school urban teachers initiated and maintained communication with students’ families. In addition, the researcher analyzed the benefits and challenges of home-school communication. Results of the teacher interviews show the following: (1) teachers communicated with families using a variety of channels, (2) this communication was frequent and early, and (3) this communication did not come without challenges. In addition, the outcomes of this communication were improved student learning and behavior, as well as families becoming teacher’s allies.

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Notes

  1. Throughout this paper, the author will use the word family, as it encompasses all the members who make up the child’s immediate community.

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  1. Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, FL, 32224, Jacksonville, USA

    Madalina Tanase

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  1. Madalina Tanase
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The study was approved by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of North Florida, and it was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Tanase, M. The Benefits and Challenges of Home-School Communication in Urban Settings. Contemp School Psychol 27, 426–441 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-021-00404-2

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